Prisoners get touch-screen rehab

Prisoners are using touch-screen information kiosks as part of a government scheme to reduce rates of reoffending and depression.

HM Prison Service and the Legal Services Commission (LSC) are rolling out 14 computer terminals, dubbed Prisoner Information Points (PIPs), in east Midlands prisons.

In a statement, Steve Templeman, regional director of the east Midlands LSC, said: "Quality advice on the inside means that [prisoners] can better prepare for life on the outside. Prisoners and their families can take early action to avoid problems escalating and reduce the risk of reoffending."

Information for prisoners has traditionally been distributed on paper. New content on the PIPs will be tailored for males, females and young offenders and provide information on three aspects of prison life - induction, sentence and resettlement.

Criminologist Professor Martin Gill, of the University of Leicester, said: "I haven't heard of it but in principle it sounds like a good idea."

Information will be available in eight languages, including Arabic, Russian and Welsh.

PIPs are being piloted in Leicester, Lincoln and Nottingham.

BT installed the kiosks and has also implemented a phone system based on inmates using PINs instead of phone cards in 138 prisons.